Manitoba pharmacists now able to assess and prescribe for bladder infections
Pharmacists in the province will be able to help provide more assessments and prescriptions to Manitobans.
The provincial government announced that the scope of practice for pharmacists will now include some individuals who have bladder infections, known as cystitis.
This change will allow pharmacists to assess and prescribe treatment for recurrent, uncomplicated cystitis for women who are not pregnant.
"We recognize the important role that pharmacists play in the health and wellness of Manitobans, and today's expanded scoped of work reflects this," Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon said in a news release.
Gordon added this will make care more convenient for Manitobans.
People will now be able to get three assessments by a pharmacist every year at no cost.
Pharmacists will also be required to complete training so they can provide this new service. The province said the service will be available in the coming months as training is completed.
Ashley Hart, the past president of Pharmacists of Manitoba, said this expanded scope has been a request of the organization since 2019, noting this step is important for women's health.
"Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, urinary tract infections or UTIs were one of the most common infections in primary care and in emergency rooms. UTIs affect 12 to 15 per cent of women annually," said Hart.
She said she is excited that Manitoba is now joining other provinces that already do this work like Alberta and Saskatchewan.
"Across Canada, the scope of pharmacy is changing and this announcement today brings us one step closer to enabling pharmacists to practice to their full potential, right here in Manitoba."
Hart said the assessment would be based on symptoms, and if serious problems were identified, people would be referred to a doctor.
Manitobans can find eligible pharmacists online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
OPP seize $7.5 million worth of drugs in eastern Ontario
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police says one person is facing multiple charges after a traffic complaint on Highway 17 in Head Clara Maria Township.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.